Outlawed Turkish Group Claims Responsibility for Ankara Attack

The Revolutionary People's Liberation Party claims responsibility for the attack at the U.S. Embassy in Ankara.

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Elad Benari, 03/02/13 04:01

Explosion at the entrance of the U.S. Embassy

Reuters

The Revolutionary People's Liberation Party/Front (DHKP/C), a group that is outlawed in Turkey, claimed responsibility on Saturday for the terror attack at the U.S. Embassy in Ankara on Friday, the Turkish daily Hurriyet reported.

The leftist group justified the attack as retaliation for American policy in Iraq, Syria, Egypt and Libya in a statement published on its website, according to public broadcaster TRT.

A security guard was killed in the blast which rocked the embassy in Ankara on Friday afternoon. The suicide bomber was also killed. One person was wounded.

On Friday, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan confirmed reports claiming the attacker was a 30-year-old member of DHKP/C. The suspect, identified as Ecevit Sanlı, has previously spent time in prison, according to reports.

“The suicide bomber exploded the bomb right after crossing [the personnel entry] and died in the explosion. A birth mark on his head proves [his identity], but DNA tests will be carried out to make sure. It is clear that he is a member of DHKP/C. He has perpetrated such attacks before,” Erdogan said, during a live TV interview on private broadcaster Haberturk.

The Ankara Governor's Office also confirmed that the suicide bomber was Sanlı, who had attacked an Istanbul military guesthouse in 1997. The attacker has been identified by his family to the authorities and a DNA test has been carried out, reported Hurriyet.

The suspect used six kilos of TNT and an electronic detonator, according to authorities. He also detonated a grenade during the attack, authorities said.

The White House condemned Friday’s suicide bombing. White House spokesman Jay Carney told reporters that “A suicide bombing on the perimeter of an embassy is by definition an act of terror. It is a terrorist attack.”

He added that the United States would work closely with Turkish authorities “to investigate the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice.”

“I was shocked and saddened to learn of the vicious terrorist attack against the U.S. Embassy in Ankara,” Netanyahu wrote. “Such acts of wanton violence remind us of the dangers faced by those who courageously represent us abroad and of the threats which those who despise freedom continue to pose to those who love liberty and life.”

“Our hearts are with you, with bereaved family members, and with the American people,” wrote Netanyahu.